Four Arab states conducted intense diplomacy with the United States and Iran this week ‍to prevent a threatened U.S. attack on Iran over Tehran's use of force against ​protesters that they feared would have impacts across the region, a ‌Gulf official said. Saudi Arabia's international ⁠media office, Qatar's Foreign Ministry, Oman's Information Ministry and Egypt's Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Saudi Arabia, ‍Qatar and Oman had lobbied Washington against an attack. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have enjoyed strong relationships with the Trump administration. Qatar and Egypt were both closely involved with the U.S. in mediation over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Source: The Hindu January 16, 2026 10:50 UTC